The Easter holidays are almost upon us and we're all hoping for some lovely, fine weather. Here in Wales the schools break up on Friday, April 8 for two weeks. As always, spending out on fun and activities every day, even a couple of days over the holidays, can amount to a lot of cash being spent.
So we've found a mix of indoor and outdoor options you can visit/do for free. Here are some ideas of places you can go in Wales, to keep you and the kids entertained, without spending a whole lot. If you have any others planned which we haven't included, please email kathryn.williams@walesonline.co.uk and we can add them in.
Read more: The story of the tiny cabin serving toasties and coffee beside one of Wales' nicest beaches
1. Lido Ponty
It's back! While the kids get to swim for free all season, you do have to pay for the inflatables and adults taking the kids have to pay £2. It's found in the middle of Ynysangharad Park, which is a lovely park to visit in itself if you want to make a full day of it with a play and a picnic. Park at Gas Road, Sardis Road, Goods Yard Carparks.
Where: Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd
2. Follow the Snoopy trail
The public art trail featuring 115 Snoopy sculptures, big and small, is being launched in Cardiff, Caerphilly and Porthcawl to raise money for Dogs Trust. A Dog’s Trail with Snoopy begins on Friday, April 8 and will finish on Sunday, June 5. The individually-designed sculptures, are on show through the streets and open spaces of Cardiff, Caerphilly and Porthcawl, forming a trail approximately 23km long in total. We'll have full details on the trail in the coming days, so keep this page bookmarked for more.
3. Nick Jr toy brick sculptures
Nick Jr. characters, from Monster Machines and Shimmer and Shine as well as Paw Patrol, are coming to St David's Centre in the form of toy brick models during Easter 2022 and you and your family will be able to follow a trail to find them all. In total there will be 15 models, including popular characters like Chase, Skye, and Abby from Paw Patrol, in St Davids centre from Monday, April, 11 to Sunday, April, 24.
Where: St Davids Centre, Cardiff CF10 2EF
4. National Museum Cardiff
The city centre museum is back open, and there’s plenty of exhibitions for children to explore.
From dinosaurs and wooly mammoths to some of Europe’s best collections of art, there’s something on offer for everyone.
Admission is free but booking a ticket through their website is recommended, though not necessary. It's also open on Bank Holiday Mondays.
Where: Cardiff CF10 3NP
5. National Waterfront Museum
Swansea’s National Waterfront Museum tells the story of Wales’ industrial history over the last 300 years.
Open every day now and is free to enter, however, there are events on which could need a ticket so check ahead here . On April 10 there's a free showing of Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon. And on April 24 there's a free showing of Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway.
Where: National Waterfront Museum, Oystermouth Rd, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 3RD
6. St Fagan’s National Museum of History
This free museum on the outskirts of Cardiff, set in 100-acres of parkland, is one of Wales’ most popular heritage sites. Craftsmen demonstrate their traditional skills, and their produce is usually on sale.
If you are driving you will have to pay for parking. There's currently a free exhibition on the history of the Urdd there.
Where: Cardiff CF5 6XB
7. Insole Court
Insole Court Mansion and stable yard (which includes The Potting Shed Cafe) is open to the public every day between 7.45am and 10pm and is free to visit.
Where: Insole Court, Cardiff, CF5 2YN
8. Fforest Fawr Sculpture Trail
While Castell Coch is not free to enter, it is surrounded by ancient woodland, full of different walking and mountain biking trails.
One of these trails is the Fforest Fawr sculpture trail , with wood carvings of the animals that used to roam the woods for children to spot.
Just around the corner is the Forest Stoves and Fires Cafe where you can stop for a cup of tea.
Where: Fforest Fawr Car Park, CF83 1NG
9. Bute Park
With 130 acres of gardens and parkland set just behind Cardiff Castle, there’s plenty to explore in Bute Park.
For children, there is a story trail that families can follow, starting on Castle Street. There are five steps along the way with a story about a witch’s spell to follow.
Where: Castle West Lodge, Castle St, Cardiff CF10 1BJ
10. Singleton Park
The play area located at the bottom of Singleton Park has now re-opened. Set just behind the duck pond, children can play in the park for free, or feed the ducks.
The wide expanse of Singleton Park also offers the Botanical Gardens - with a green house and koi fish pond - and the Ornamental Gardens to explore.
Or, if you’re willing to pay, take a trip on a swan or dragon boat around Singleton Boating Lake. The boats are open to use between 11am and 5pm with a standard price of £8 or a concession of £6.
Where: Mumbles Rd, Sketty, Swansea SA2 8PY
11. Cosmeston Lakes, Penarth
The lakes, located just outside of Penarth, have plenty of spaces for picnicking and wooden walkways so you can walk around the lakes.
With a recently refurbished play park and a re-constructed medieval village, the lakes have plenty for little ones to explore. Car parking is free and there’s a cafe for refreshments.
Find out more here .
Where: Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, Lavernock Rd, Penarth, CF64 5UY
12. Newport Wetlands, Newport
The Newport nature reserve is open daily for people to spot the numerous species of birds in this haven for wildlife.
With an outdoor children’s play area, the centre welcomes children and families.
Where: W Nash Rd, Newport, NP18 2BZ
13. National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon
The National Roman Legion Museum allows you to step back in time and see what life was like for Romans that built the Caerleon fort in Wales over 200 years ago.
You can see ruins of the fort, Roman artefacts, and even download a Caerleon app with games and audio tours for children. The museum is open between Thursday and Saturday, as well as on Bank Holiday Monday.
Where: High St, Caerleon, Newport, NP18 1AE
14. Park Lives
ParkLives is offering a range of sporting events for children throughout half term across Swansea’s parks.
From multi-sports to specific classes on squash, tennis, and dodgeball, children from as young as 2 can participate in age bracketed activities.
You need to book a place in advance and children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Find out more via their website here .
Where: Across various Swansea parks.
15. Big Pit
Visit a real coal mine and find out about Wales’ mining heritage at Big Pit. While the underground tour remains closed, you can still wander through a multi-media tour in the Mining Galleries.
The museum is free to enter, but you will need to book in advance here .
Where: Pontypool, NP4 9XP
16. Margam Park
With 1,000 acres of park and woodland, there’s plenty to keep the whole family busy.
Spot deer in the surrounding parkland, explore the gardens of Margam Orangery or visit the fairytale village and outdoor playground. While the park is free to enter, you have to pay for parking. This Easter, too, there's some free activities planned, on April 11 and 13. So for more details,find out more here .
Where : Margam Country Park , Margam, Neath Port Talbot SA13 2TJ
17 Barry Sidings Country Park
You'll never regret an afternoon at Barry Sidings just outside Pontypridd. There are walking trails, bike trails and a play park for little ones and if you're minded, a great cafe to get a hot chocolate or burger at.
Where : Pontypridd CF37 2PE
18. Dare Valley Country Park
Dare Valley Country Park contains over 200 acres of open space, and the area is packed with things to do.
It’s home to the Gravity Family Bike Park, where riders can take on mountain-side trails, and the country park is also a Dark Sky Wales site, which means it offers perfect night sky conditions for gazing at the stars and taking in the world's natural beauty.
If you plan to take the little ones here, they'll love the huge adventure playground, which has enough slides, swings and climbing frames for all to enjoy.
Not to mention there is also a smaller toddler play area for the littler ones near the visitor centre and reception.
Where: Glamorgan St, Aberdare CF44 7RG
